CAPTAIN Nic Buford & CHEF Mercedes Go-Leyen

Captain Nic Buford

Captain Nick is an experienced and energetic skipper with a deep passion for sailing and adventure. With years of experience sailing the Caribbean and Mediterranean, particularly around the beautiful islands of Greece and Croatia, Nick has honed his skills in navigating both calm and challenging waters.

Beyond sailing, Nick is an enthusiast of various water sports, including free diving, surfing and fishing, always eager to introduce guests to new ways of enjoying the ocean. An avid rock climber and runner, he brings boundless energy and enthusiasm to every trip.

With a natural flair for making guests feel at ease, Nick is dedicated to ensuring everyone aboard experiences the thrill of sailing. His love for the ocean and sense of adventure is contagious, making every journey aboard his catamaran an unforgettable one. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-timer, Nick is passionate about passing on his knowledge and ensuring everyone leaves with lasting memories and a newfound love for the sea.

Chef Mercédes.

Mercédes was born in Haarlem, the Netherlands, and grew up close to the sea, where the untamed winds and powerful waves of the North Sea shaped her adventurous spirit. Initially pursuing a dream of becoming a prima ballerina, she studied at the Dutch National Ballet Academy and later danced with a company in New York. Despite her success, Mercédes felt compelled to a new path and returned to the Netherlands to study modern dance and choreography, as well as being irresistibly drawn to the sea.

Her love for the ocean led her to the marine industry, where she began working as a hostess and chef aboard yachts, combining her passion for wellness with the art of hospitality. Sailing through the Mediterranean, Mercédes crafted experiences that nourished both body and soul, drawing on her expertise in yoga, Pilates, and wholesome living to curate menus and environments that promote health and well-being.

Mercédes’ journey into wellness naturally extended to food, as she became passionate about the power of nourishing the body through mindful food preparation. In recent years, she took her love for cooking further, working on various yachts throughout the Mediterranean, where she blends her knowledge of wellness with her culinary creativity. As both a hostess and a chef, Mercédes connects deeply with people, ensuring that everyone she serves feels cared for, nourished, and inspired to embrace a wholesome lifestyle.